Okay, here's a challenge (mod my Winnebago!)

[NovaEona]

Hi everyone, been watching this forum for a while now but just joined so I could post this. I recently acquired an old RV for very cheap, and am planning on taking it cross country and back, approximately 8k miles. I've been trying to figure out how to shave costs, and I've been working on getting the engine in top shape (easy enough, it only has 29k miles on it) and will soon begin modifications for biodiesel and SVO/WVO fuels, including the possibility of take-along processing equipment. I'm looking for any other tips, whether aerodynamic or whatever, which anyone can offer. I'm happy to get into all sorts of DIY and experimental stuff, but I don't have a welding kit (yet) so that may limit my options. Below two pictures of the model, it's a 1983 Winnebago Brave, 27'. These are not pictures of mine, just a very similar one, mine is almost identical but in slightly worse shape and lacking the rear bumper skirt. And please, don't bother telling me I'm wasting my time because it's a) old, b) an aerodynamic abomination, or c) innately inefficient. On an 8,000 mile trip with a very limited budget, a single extra mile per gallon adds up. Thanks!

[trebuchet03]

Aerodynamic abomination!

Which means, there's plenty to improve

1. Streamline streamline streamline
Anything bulbous sticking out - see if you can remove it or relocate it. Such as that antenna
2. Patch up some holes
Rear wheels - cover the well
Front wheels - looks like when the wheel is full lock, those wheels won't go past the outer body. Cover that up.
3. How's the underside? If there's a lot of open areas and places for wind to catch - cover 'em up.
4. Deflectors in front of wheels.... Do it.

Any potential for making a bit of a boat tail back there? Even if it's just some sheet metal on an angle on all for sides.





Some other eye candy from nasa

[Lazarus]

Someone had a link to aero mod for the big rigs maybe they will post that. Some pretty easy stuff would be will rear skirts. Aero the mirrors or smaller if possible. Belly tray and remove the flapper in the rear. Make sure the tire are inflated properly and if possible streamline the accessories on the top. What kind of mileage you getting now?

Welcome to the site

[tasdrouille]

You can go with an air dam and side skirts if you dont want to smooth out the underside

On top of what's already been said:

Cover headlights recesses with flat polycarbonate sheets
Get rid of those mirrors, use something else.
If there's a way you could do without the stuff sticking out on top that would help a lot also.

[bestmapman]

Here's a mod and it actually looks sort of aerodynamic. LOL

Sorry I just couldn't resist.

[NovaEona]

Thanks for all the quick replies! The front and rear wheel wells sound promising, they shouldn't be difficult at all, and there is plenty of room for improvement on the undercarriage. There is no rear skirting on mine, so problem already solved there. Headlights also seem pretty straightforward. I'm very hesitant to lose the mirrors, because I've got close to zero capability for just looking back, and those big, ungainly mirrors are what lets me know there isn't a Honda Civic full of lawyers hiding beside me when I shift lanes. Might be able to streamline them though at least. Boat-tailing the rear may or may not be possible, but I'll look into it. As for the accessories on top, I can undoubtedly help streamline the a/c unit, and have no problem ditching the TV antenna altogether, it doesn't work anyways. There are a few PVC vent pipes coming up through the roof, could probably streamline those a bit more. Any recommendations for a grill block? It's a diesel, so something like that would be useful in the winter anyways. A few questions: When covering the headlights, what material will not deflect the light too much? What exactly is an air dam and how does it work? Thanks again.

[tasdrouille]

http://www.solusinc.com/pdf/2003-01-3377.pdf

Page 13 and 14 might be of some interest if you want an alternative to the boat tail.

The air dam is kind of a front lip going close to the ground. It will deflect the air to the sides so you don't have to smooth out the underside. It might be easier to do since you'll probably have a lot of area to cover down there.

Here's a nice air dam http://forum.ecomodder.com/showpost....83&postcount=5

[bestmapman]

Here's what it should look like

[Lazarus]

Originally Posted by bestmapman

Here's what it should look like

Bestmapman- Do you photo shop for a living? You really do a fabulous job with it.

[bestmapman]

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Bestmapman- Do you photo shop for a living? You really do a fabulous job with it.

Thanks, I am a mapmaker by profession. I actually use Corel Photopaint.

Here's the original.